Frequently asked questions about trade recognition and recognition of overseas qualifications
Frequently asked questions about recognition of prior learning
Can my qualifications be assessed if I did an apprenticeship overseas?
Can I use referees who are not qualified in my trade?
Can I be assessed before migrating?
How many years full-time experience do I need in my trade?
What happens if I have less than 6 years experience after age 21 in my trade?
How do I know if my trade is recognised in Queensland?
Do I need a licence to work in Queensland?
Do I need to be registered to work in my profession in Queensland?
When would I need to do a trade test or be assessed by an industry assessor?
Can I get a discount or fee exemption if I receive maximum unemployment benefits?
Can my qualifications be assessed if I did an apprenticeship overseas?
Yes. If your trade is one that requires a licence (construction, automotive, electrical) you should apply for recognition of your overseas training. All licences require proof of Australian trade certification. Check the list of trades we recognise and if appropriate complete this form [PDF 186kb].
You must provide evidence of your apprenticeship and any training you have done. You should also include evidence of your work experience in this trade. If your trade skills have been assessed pre-migration, please include a copy of the Trades Recognition Australia letter issued to you. Find out more about recognition of work or training (trade recognition).
Can I use referees who are not qualified in my trade?
Yes, although it is preferred that your referee has completed an apprenticeship, because they will then have a better understanding of what is involved in such an apprenticeship. However, referees who have worked with you, can comment on your level of skill and knowledge in your trade. Referees should give you a written reference including details of your trade (work) duties and dates for the period you worked together.
All applicants must complete the self assessment questionnaire for your trade and include it with the application for trade recognition.
Your referees within Australia are interviewed and asked to assess your skills against this questionnaire list. All applicants will have their skills assessed by an industry assessor or a trade test at a training provider or TAFE college.
Can I be assessed before migrating?
No. The Skills Recognition unit of the Queensland Department of Education Training and the Arts cannot assess people for migration purposes. The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship provides information on migration requirements. If you are planning to migrate as a skilled tradesperson please contact Trades Recognition Australia or VETASSESS.
How many years full-time experience do I need in my trade?
For trade recognition in Queensland you need to have six years full-time work experience in the trade you are applying for, gained after age 21. This applies if you do NOT hold an overseas apprenticeship or qualification.
Training such as apprenticeship training which is completed under the age of 21 may reduce the six year full-time work experience criterion. If you have completed some formal training in your trade, you must provide evidence with your application.
If you cannot apply for recognition of work or training because you do not have enough time in your trade, you may be eligible for an apprenticeship or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you want to enter into an apprenticeship, your current skill level will be recognised. The advantage of recognition of prior learning is that you will not be required to learn skills that you already have. It may also lead to earlier completion of your apprenticeship.
For further information regarding apprenticeships, contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.
If you are in the construction industry you can be assessed and recognised for the skills you have through the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund.
What happens if I have less than six years experience after age 21 in my trade?
You need to have six years full-time work experience after age 21 in your occupation unless you have completed an apprenticeship overseas. If you do not meet this criteria you may get credit from a training organisation for your knowledge and experience in an apprenticeship, or your prior learning may be recognised. Contact your local departmental office for a list of training organisations that can help you with recognition of prior learning (RPL) in your trade or occupation.
How do I know if my trade is recognised in Queensland?
The Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts assesses many apprenticeship occupations. Refer to this list to find out what trades the department recognises.
If you need recognition in engineering or electrical trades, please telephone Trades Recognition Australia on 1300 360 992.
If you need recognition in a construction occupation not listed as one that can be assessed by the Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts, or if you do not satisfy the six years time criterion, you may be eligible for a competency assessment. Building and Construction Industry Training Fund can refer you to an appropriate training organisation for a competency assessment.
Do I need a licence to work in my trade in Queensland?
To work in the aviation, electrical, engineering, plumbing or construction industries in Queensland, you may need a license. Find out more about trade licensing.
Do I need to be registered to work in my profession in Queensland?
Many professions require registration with the relevant professional body to work in Queensland. Find your profession in the list of registerable professions.
When would I need to do a trade test or be assessed by an industry assessor?
- All applicants (except those in section 2 below) must undergo a practical assessment. A Skills Recognition officer will tell you in writing who will do your practical assessment. This assessment may be done in your workplace or in a training institute such as a TAFE college. The type of workplace and range of work you are performing will determine which location is used.
- If you have the current AQF Certificate III in your trade you may not require a practical assessment. Please contact your local Skills Recognition officer to find out if your qualification is the current qualification.
Can I get a discount or fee exemption for my application fee if I receive maximum unemployment benefits?
Yes. To apply for a fee reduction, please enclose a current Income statement from Centrelink, stating that you are receiving maximum unemployment benefits, with your application for trade recognition.
Contact Apprenticeships info 1800 210 210 or Training Queensland 1300 369 935
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